Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reflection on the sermon, Jesus contrasts the way disciples are called to perform certain actions from those who perform actions either to be seen or those who perform actions out of insecurity and fear. Three actions are the focus of attention: prayer (relationship with God), almsgiving (relationship with others), fasting (relationship with self). Even though it is only three areas that are mentioned here, the supposition is that every aspect of the disciple’s life will be different from those of those who are not disciples.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s reflection on the sermon, Jesus contrasts the way disciples are called to perform certain actions from those who perform actions either to be seen or those who perform actions out of insecurity and fear. Three actions are the focus of attention: prayer (relationship with God), almsgiving (relationship with others), fasting (relationship with self). Even though it is only three areas that are mentioned here, the supposition is that every aspect of the disciple’s life will be different from those of those who are not disciples.
Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Matthew we encounter one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, sayings of Jesus: "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). Loving your enemies is an important part of what it means to be Christian, but it is very difficult.
Jesus acknowledges that His audience has been told before to hate their enemies. For most of us, I think, we could find that much easier to do. Wouldn't it be nice if Jesus said that it was ok to hate our enemies? But He does not. Rather, Jesus says, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Today's Mass Readings
In today's Gospel reading from the Gospel of Matthew we encounter one of the most difficult, if not the most difficult, sayings of Jesus: "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). Loving your enemies is an important part of what it means to be Christian, but it is very difficult.
Jesus acknowledges that His audience has been told before to hate their enemies. For most of us, I think, we could find that much easier to do. Wouldn't it be nice if Jesus said that it was ok to hate our enemies? But He does not. Rather, Jesus says, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today in the Sermon on the Mount from the gospel of Matthew, Jesus raises the familiar quotation of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” This phrase speaks of the simple justice of whatever you do to me, I can do to you. It’s the kind of childhood logic we enjoyed in our sandbox days. If you take my shovel, I’ll take yours. I’ll pay you back for whatever you did to me (or my friends and family). While I called this “simple justice,” what it really denotes is a sort of exchange model of justice wherein these acts are equal and therefore fair. It does sort of make sense, to some extent.
Today's Mass Readings
Today in the Sermon on the Mount from the gospel of Matthew, Jesus raises the familiar quotation of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” This phrase speaks of the simple justice of whatever you do to me, I can do to you. It’s the kind of childhood logic we enjoyed in our sandbox days. If you take my shovel, I’ll take yours. I’ll pay you back for whatever you did to me (or my friends and family). While I called this “simple justice,” what it really denotes is a sort of exchange model of justice wherein these acts are equal and therefore fair. It does sort of make sense, to some extent.
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s readings are about a faithful, loving and compassionate God. The God we hear about in the first reading today is the God who bears us on eagle wings. This is the God who in the second reading proves his love for us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This is the God whose heart in the Gospel reading is moved because he saw the people and they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Sunday Mass Readings
Today’s readings are about a faithful, loving and compassionate God. The God we hear about in the first reading today is the God who bears us on eagle wings. This is the God who in the second reading proves his love for us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. This is the God whose heart in the Gospel reading is moved because he saw the people and they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew that we have been hearing over the past couple of days.
At first blush the injunction from Jesus, like many others throughout the sermon, seems to raise the stakes; to escalate the rule of Jewish law to an unattainable level – don’t simply make good on all of your oaths, rather don’t take any at all. But there’s more here.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel reading continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew that we have been hearing over the past couple of days.
At first blush the injunction from Jesus, like many others throughout the sermon, seems to raise the stakes; to escalate the rule of Jewish law to an unattainable level – don’t simply make good on all of your oaths, rather don’t take any at all. But there’s more here.
Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua
Today's Mass Readings
Does God have a face? One correct answer to this question is the obvious one, no, God does not have a face, nor a body. Of course, since the Incarnation, it would also be correct to say that God has a face in Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God, and as also fully human He has a face. But what does it mean to seek God's face?
Today's Mass Readings
Does God have a face? One correct answer to this question is the obvious one, no, God does not have a face, nor a body. Of course, since the Incarnation, it would also be correct to say that God has a face in Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully God, and as also fully human He has a face. But what does it mean to seek God's face?
Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew’s gospel. Here Jesus challenges the people to move beyond the simple rules of the Ten Commandments into a fuller biblical justice. The subject of today’s passage concerns the commandment against killing. This is familiar to us as it would have been to the people whom Jesus addressed at the time. And most of the people listening to Jesus, like most of us hearing his words today, would say that we are not guilty of breaking this commandment.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage continues the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew’s gospel. Here Jesus challenges the people to move beyond the simple rules of the Ten Commandments into a fuller biblical justice. The subject of today’s passage concerns the commandment against killing. This is familiar to us as it would have been to the people whom Jesus addressed at the time. And most of the people listening to Jesus, like most of us hearing his words today, would say that we are not guilty of breaking this commandment.
Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Today's Mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). Even though we began the reflection on the Sermon on Monday with the Beatitudes, we are still only in the introductory section. In yesterday’s gospel Jesus called those who follow him “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Mt 5: 13-16). In doing so, he was giving his disciples the larger purpose for their calling. In today’s section (Mt 5:17-19), he gives them another broad instruction about the more particular things he will lay out later in this Sermon.
Today's Mass Readings
We continue with our reflection on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). Even though we began the reflection on the Sermon on Monday with the Beatitudes, we are still only in the introductory section. In yesterday’s gospel Jesus called those who follow him “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” (Mt 5: 13-16). In doing so, he was giving his disciples the larger purpose for their calling. In today’s section (Mt 5:17-19), he gives them another broad instruction about the more particular things he will lay out later in this Sermon.
Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the First Book of Kings is a great but much neglected passage. The Church has consistently interpreted this passage in light of the Eucharist. Just as the Lord through the Prophet Elijah was able to miraculously produce abundant bread for a year out of only a handful of flour, so the Lord perpetually multiplies His glorified body and blood in the Eucharist which we celebrate.
Today's Mass Readings
Today's first reading from the First Book of Kings is a great but much neglected passage. The Church has consistently interpreted this passage in light of the Eucharist. Just as the Lord through the Prophet Elijah was able to miraculously produce abundant bread for a year out of only a handful of flour, so the Lord perpetually multiplies His glorified body and blood in the Eucharist which we celebrate.
Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” is the psalm response for today (Ps. 121:2). While it seems to be spoken confidently, the psalm itself bespeaks a kind of desperation, and a confidence in the Lord because of that desperation: “I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me?” (Ps. 121:1). In today’s gospel passage, we are led also to lift up our eyes to a mountain, where sits our savior Jesus. The reading from Matthew describes Jesus climbing up a mountain upon seeing large crowds (Mt. 5:1). Jesus then proceeds to teach them, in the words of the now famous beatitudes.
Today's Mass Readings
“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” is the psalm response for today (Ps. 121:2). While it seems to be spoken confidently, the psalm itself bespeaks a kind of desperation, and a confidence in the Lord because of that desperation: “I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me?” (Ps. 121:1). In today’s gospel passage, we are led also to lift up our eyes to a mountain, where sits our savior Jesus. The reading from Matthew describes Jesus climbing up a mountain upon seeing large crowds (Mt. 5:1). Jesus then proceeds to teach them, in the words of the now famous beatitudes.
Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In Today’s first reading the prophet Hosea says to the people of Israel, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away” (Hosea 6:4). Israel always played hot and cold with God.
Today's Mass Readings
In Today’s first reading the prophet Hosea says to the people of Israel, “Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away” (Hosea 6:4). Israel always played hot and cold with God.
Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on both apostleship and discipleship.
As we come to the end of the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Paul charges his young protégé to persevere in the work of spreading the gospel. As Paul has been sent (the word “apostle” literally means “one who has been sent”) by Christ, Paul is continuing the apostolic line by sending forth Timothy. Paul knows that his time on earth is coming to an end; he is about to be poured out as a libation (2 Tm 6), that is as a sacrifice, in martyrdom. He has in Timothy, a successor in his apostolic work. Paul makes no bones about the difficulty of such a task – Timothy will need persistence to handle the hardships as well as wisdom to teach, to reprimand, to convince, and to encourage.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on both apostleship and discipleship.
As we come to the end of the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Paul charges his young protégé to persevere in the work of spreading the gospel. As Paul has been sent (the word “apostle” literally means “one who has been sent”) by Christ, Paul is continuing the apostolic line by sending forth Timothy. Paul knows that his time on earth is coming to an end; he is about to be poured out as a libation (2 Tm 6), that is as a sacrifice, in martyrdom. He has in Timothy, a successor in his apostolic work. Paul makes no bones about the difficulty of such a task – Timothy will need persistence to handle the hardships as well as wisdom to teach, to reprimand, to convince, and to encourage.
Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, we encounter a difficult verse: "In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). This is a difficult verse, but it highlights one part of the Christian life that some tend to ignore, namely that being a Christian is not a way to avoid suffering, even suffering caused from persecutions.
Today's Mass Readings
In today's first reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, we encounter a difficult verse: "In fact, all who want to live religiously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). This is a difficult verse, but it highlights one part of the Christian life that some tend to ignore, namely that being a Christian is not a way to avoid suffering, even suffering caused from persecutions.
Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and gospel passage both feature the word “with.” Now, granted, “with” is not the kind of word that normally stands out. It’s a preposition, meaning that it serves to make a connection between two other words or phrases. But it stands out today because the connection it makes seems so important. In St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy today, we encounter “with” in a well-known passage: “If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with him” (2 Tm. 2:11-12). These short sentences tell us something about life as a Christian. It is not life alone, it is life with Christ. Christians die with Christ, live with Christ, and ultimately, reign with Christ in heaven. We share Christ’s sufferings, Christ’s joys, and Christ’s final glory. Paul himself is performing or living this passage as he writes it; he is suffering in prison for Christ in the hopes that others may share in this life with Christ. Again, the life of a Christian is not solitary. It is life with Christ and for Christ, with others and for others.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading and gospel passage both feature the word “with.” Now, granted, “with” is not the kind of word that normally stands out. It’s a preposition, meaning that it serves to make a connection between two other words or phrases. But it stands out today because the connection it makes seems so important. In St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy today, we encounter “with” in a well-known passage: “If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with him” (2 Tm. 2:11-12). These short sentences tell us something about life as a Christian. It is not life alone, it is life with Christ. Christians die with Christ, live with Christ, and ultimately, reign with Christ in heaven. We share Christ’s sufferings, Christ’s joys, and Christ’s final glory. Paul himself is performing or living this passage as he writes it; he is suffering in prison for Christ in the hopes that others may share in this life with Christ. Again, the life of a Christian is not solitary. It is life with Christ and for Christ, with others and for others.
Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the letter of Paul to Timothy should shake any of us from our slumber. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God... (2 Tim 1:6). In other words Paul is urging Timothy and his community to be on fire. To be lukewarm about God is to do a disfavour to the gift of the Holy Spirit that God has given to us.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s first reading from the letter of Paul to Timothy should shake any of us from our slumber. “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God... (2 Tim 1:6). In other words Paul is urging Timothy and his community to be on fire. To be lukewarm about God is to do a disfavour to the gift of the Holy Spirit that God has given to us.
Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and his Companions, Martyrs
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Second Letter of St. Peter, we find St. Peter’s admonition: “be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Peter 3:14-15). Like the Letter of St. James, which we finished covering in the daily readings a few weeks ago, and like the First Letter of St. Peter, which we finished reading last week, 2 Peter contains much wisdom for living the Christian life.
Today's Mass Readings
In today’s first reading from the Second Letter of St. Peter, we find St. Peter’s admonition: “be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. And consider the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Peter 3:14-15). Like the Letter of St. James, which we finished covering in the daily readings a few weeks ago, and like the First Letter of St. Peter, which we finished reading last week, 2 Peter contains much wisdom for living the Christian life.
Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark contains a dramatic parable in a dramatic setting. Jesus addresses the parable to the religious leaders of his time. The symbolism of the story is obviously apparent to these leaders as well as to the rest of the crowd. The vineyard owner represents God the Father, who has put his “vineyard” in the hands of tenant farmers – those who would care for his land and hence assure him produce due to their labors in his absence. These farmers, associated with the religious leaders, are not amenable to the requests of God, the vineyard owner. The servants sent by the vineyard owner represent the prophets sent by God, many of whom were disrespected, even killed. Finally, God, the vineyard owner, sends his own Son, Jesus to this vineyard. Jesus implies that the religious leaders ought to respect him, and he foretells that they will instead kill him out of their own self-interest. Jesus ends the parable by saying that God will find others to care for his vineyard. Though Jesus will be rejected by them, he will be the foundation of something new. In other words, Jesus has just criticized and accused the people who seek to arrest him, and the crowd understands this. So it’s no wonder that they have to retreat at this moment.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s gospel passage from Mark contains a dramatic parable in a dramatic setting. Jesus addresses the parable to the religious leaders of his time. The symbolism of the story is obviously apparent to these leaders as well as to the rest of the crowd. The vineyard owner represents God the Father, who has put his “vineyard” in the hands of tenant farmers – those who would care for his land and hence assure him produce due to their labors in his absence. These farmers, associated with the religious leaders, are not amenable to the requests of God, the vineyard owner. The servants sent by the vineyard owner represent the prophets sent by God, many of whom were disrespected, even killed. Finally, God, the vineyard owner, sends his own Son, Jesus to this vineyard. Jesus implies that the religious leaders ought to respect him, and he foretells that they will instead kill him out of their own self-interest. Jesus ends the parable by saying that God will find others to care for his vineyard. Though Jesus will be rejected by them, he will be the foundation of something new. In other words, Jesus has just criticized and accused the people who seek to arrest him, and the crowd understands this. So it’s no wonder that they have to retreat at this moment.
Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings direct us to reflect on life – either lived superficially or lived in the depths of our beings. In the first reading from the book of Deuteronomy Moses tell the people of Israel, “Take these words of mine into your heart and soul” (Deut 11:18). He wanted to take his people away from the superficial practice of the law and focus their attention to making the Law integral to the heart and soul. In other words, the hope is that the lives of the people will be guided by God’s law not from the outside but from the inside out.
Today's Mass Readings
Today’s scripture readings direct us to reflect on life – either lived superficially or lived in the depths of our beings. In the first reading from the book of Deuteronomy Moses tell the people of Israel, “Take these words of mine into your heart and soul” (Deut 11:18). He wanted to take his people away from the superficial practice of the law and focus their attention to making the Law integral to the heart and soul. In other words, the hope is that the lives of the people will be guided by God’s law not from the outside but from the inside out.
Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Today's Mass Readings
Today, we celebrate the feast of the Visitation, when Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth, who the angel Gabriel had told Mary was also with child.
As with all Marian feasts, the Church’s eye remains fixed on Jesus, celebrating Mary as God’s servant because she embraced her role in God’s plan of salvation. Indeed, we notice in Luke’s gospel that from the very beginning of the visitation story, the focus is on Jesus: it is the “blessed fruit of [Mary’s] womb” (Lk 1:42) that causes John the Baptist to leap in Elizabeth’s womb (Lk 1:41). John will prepare the way for Jesus and he is excited by the Savior even in utero!
Today's Mass Readings
Today, we celebrate the feast of the Visitation, when Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth, who the angel Gabriel had told Mary was also with child.
As with all Marian feasts, the Church’s eye remains fixed on Jesus, celebrating Mary as God’s servant because she embraced her role in God’s plan of salvation. Indeed, we notice in Luke’s gospel that from the very beginning of the visitation story, the focus is on Jesus: it is the “blessed fruit of [Mary’s] womb” (Lk 1:42) that causes John the Baptist to leap in Elizabeth’s womb (Lk 1:41). John will prepare the way for Jesus and he is excited by the Savior even in utero!
Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Today's Mass Readings
In today's second reading from the First Letter of St. John, we read the following often quoted verse: "God is love" (4:16). This verse inspired the theme for Pope Benedict XVI's first papal encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, God Is Love. And in a way, this phrase summarizes all of the readings for today. This verse is not meant to trivialize our relationship with God, however. Rather, it should cause us comfort, but also help us to recognize our own great responsibility. The entire passage for today from St. John's First Letter exhorts us to live in love. "God is love," St. John tells us, "and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him" (1 John 4:16).
Today's Mass Readings
In today's second reading from the First Letter of St. John, we read the following often quoted verse: "God is love" (4:16). This verse inspired the theme for Pope Benedict XVI's first papal encyclical, Deus Caritas Est, God Is Love. And in a way, this phrase summarizes all of the readings for today. This verse is not meant to trivialize our relationship with God, however. Rather, it should cause us comfort, but also help us to recognize our own great responsibility. The entire passage for today from St. John's First Letter exhorts us to live in love. "God is love," St. John tells us, "and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him" (1 John 4:16).